Here's a rumor that looks like it's now squashed:

" Q: Is there any truth to the rumor concerning a trade between Montreal and Dallas involving Brad Richards and Matt Niskanen? I surely hope not, but I just wanted to see if you had heard anything? What are your thoughts on this?

Is this a decoy? How much are decoys utilized in the NHL and do they really serve a purpose? It seems to me that they would only serve to frustrate fans of both teams.

Doug.

HEIKA: It's not true, whatever it is. Richards maintains his no-trade clause, and he doesn't seem interested in waiving it. I'm told a team in a city like Montreal or Toronto might use a decoy trade to throw the media off, but they don't do that much here in the Sunbelt. "
http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/nwsltr/sports/stars/stories/020509dnspostarsletter.303f599.html

According to reports surfacing in Montreal though, the rumors are still flyin'.
"According to several reports out of Montreal, the Canadiens and Stars are discussing a trade involved Dallas center Brad Richards and defenseman Matt Niskanen.

The report originated on French sports radio station CKAC 730 in Montreal and later discussed on television station TQS.

Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is reportedly interested in Richards, who has a no-trade clause.

The Habs have been in the market for a top-four defenseman, but have altered their plans after center Robert Lang underwent surgery to repair a severed Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the regular-season.

The Stars, meanwhile, are also looking for help on the blueline. Dallas acquired Richards last season from Tampa Bay. "

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/dal090203.html

http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/article_15134_2.jpg
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